Breast Health

                                                   WELCOME TO

           ULTRASOUND BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER SCREENING

                                            OF THE NAPA VALLEY

We have world class scenery, climate, wine and food also!

Proactive breast care for women is an essential part of promoting and maintaining optimal health throughout life.  Our comprehensive breast and ovarian health care program includes meaningful education, risk assessment, professional examination, in-office high resolution ultrasound screening, coordination with mammogram findings and personalized guidance tailored to your individual needs. It is the best way to STAND UP TO CANCER.  

Call the office today or schedule an appointment or a free telehealh appointment to discuss your situation.  707 257-4317.  Read more below.

                        WELCOME TO THE NAPA VALLEY!  

  and ULTRASOUND BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER SCREENING

Why is maintaining good breast health important?

Through the ages, a women's a breast has been revered as an organ of beauty, body image, breast feeding and intimacy.

And of course, it is a organ of potential risk.  Annually, In the US alone, there are approximately 360,000 new cases of breast cancer and over 42,000 agonizing deaths from this disease.  We can lower the incidence rate slightly but we can make a HUGE reduction in the number of deaths by the tried and proven method of EARLY DETECTION.  Early stage (I and II) node- negative breast cancer is generally curable whereas later stage disease is much more challenging and requires far more extensive treatments.

So how do we detect breast cancer early?  Simply by LOOKING FOR IT in an evidence based, practical and individualized way.  We perform an individual risk assessment to determine your Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick score and then:

   1)  Teach the PROPER technique of self examination.

   2)  Utilize mammograms with careful thought, based on one's individual risk.

   3)  Utilize in-office high resolution ultrasound as part of screening both breasts according to the brilliant work of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pittsburg.  No prior mammogram is reqiured.  As you may be aware, ultrasound in most imaging centers is targeted to a small portion of one breast only after an abnormal mammogram.  Ultrasound is rarely offered for screening in these settings.  Yet, this is where our program excels.

   4)  Pay particular attention to breast density as a limitation to mammography and as an independent risk factor for future cancer.

Practicing good breast health is really quite simple and involves collaboration and taking a proactive approach including:

MAMMOGRAMS:

These specialized X-rays help detect early signs of breast cancer and other abnormalities by capturing detailed images of your breast tissue.  Though useful, mammograms are quite limited in dense breasts.  Most women have dense breasts as defined by mammogram scoring and/or clinical examination. 

CLINICAL SCREENING ULTRASOUND OF BOTH BREASTS:

This technique is a true breakthrough in women's breast care.  Simple, easy, accurate, comfortable (with no squeeze or compression required), screening ultrasound reveals an additional 50% of small breast cancers not seen on mammography.  State laws require women with dense breasts noted on mammogram to be informed of this limitation  and offered additional screening with ultrasound.  MRI is very impractical for this purpose.  Screening ultrasound also improves early detection in women with smoother, less dense breasts and those with implants or breast reduction.  Appropriate candidates are ANY woman age 25 to 95 with a life expectancy of 3 or more years.

Healthy habits

Following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk of breast disease and cancer.

What conditions affect breast health?

Many conditions can affect your breast health, including:

• Benign (noncancerous) tumors, growths, or cysts.
• Mastitis (inflammation, often from infection).
• Fibrocystic breast disease (may cause lumpy and/or tender breasts).
• Breast cancer and pre-cancers.

While many changes to the way your breasts look or feel are benign, some are serious and require prompt medical attention. Regular breast health screenings are critical in early detection and timely intervention.

Are there risk factors associated with poor breast health?

   Yes, Several factors can affect your breast health, such as:

• Older age
• Family history
• Inherited genetic mutations
• Breast density

 Dr. Armstrong considers your unique risk factors when developing an individualized breast care plan to protect your health.

What are some signs and symptoms of potential breast health issues?

Some signs and symptoms of breast health concerns may include:

• Lumps, swellings or growths in the breasts or underarms
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Skin changes,  a dimpling or crease, redness or discoloration
• A change in the overall appearance and/or symmetry
• Inverted nipples or discharge

Dr. Armstrong provides comprehensive breast health care. Know your true risk, learn how to lower it, and be reassurred when all of your screenings are normal.  Our experience spans over 44 years and includes over 40,000 breast and pelvic ultrasounds with no problematic false positives.

Everyone knows EARLY DETECTION IS YOUR BEST PROTECTION and

                                      EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES***

Also, learn more about ultrasound screening for Pelvic...ovarian and uterine cancers and precancers.  Call or schedule an appointment online today, or book a convenient telehealth consultation.  707 257-4317.

 

So....WELCOME TO THE NAPA VALLEY and

  ULTRASOUND BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER SCREENING 

Not more than you need...just more than you've experienced.

          *UCSF trained        *44 years experience       *5 star reviews